Planning commission hears DEQ memo could force stricter stormwater controls on solar projects
Summary
County staff told the Planning Commission a DEQ memorandum treats many solar installations as impervious surfaces, meaning projects may need stormwater quantity and quality plans before county review — a potential barrier for larger developments.
The Washington County Planning Commission was advised that a March DEQ memorandum has changed how solar projects are treated for stormwater permitting, which may force developers to meet the same pre- and post-construction water-quality and quantity tests required of parking lots and roofs.
Mr. Richardson, who explained the DEQ guidance to the commission, said: "Any project that didn't have an interconnection approval by a regional transmission organization or electric utility by 12/31/2024 must comply with requirements of the March 22 memorandum." He added the memo effectively treats solar panels as "impervious surfaces" and that applicants will typically have to complete DEQ review before arriving at the county for land-use approval. Commissioners noted that, under current practice, developers will have both DEQ reviews and county review and that the ordinance should defer to DEQ where technical stormwater standards apply.
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